34 Comments
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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Thanks so much for inviting me, Eleanor! Loved doing this.

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Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

I’m such a fan of what you do and how you do it. The pleasure’s all mine.

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Etta Madden's avatar

I have loved reading Ann Kennedy Smith's substack for more than a year now. It's wonderful to see some of the background, which I didn't realize! Thanks for the interview and for sharing.

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Oh thank you Etta, that’s so kind.

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Etta Madden's avatar

You’re a model Substack writer/researcher. ❤️❤️❤️

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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

Great to hear more about the writer of the Cambridge Ladies' Dining Society, one of my favourite Substacks. Thank you, Ann, for writing essays that educate and amuse.

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Thanks so much Jeffrey, I enjoyed reading your own very thoughtful interview with Eleanor while preparing for this. Your writing always inspires me.

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Writer Pilgrim by So Elite's avatar

Yes, I enjoy reading the Ladies' Dining Society and finding out the work, struggles and dedication of Cambridge ladies before us and Ann is a dedicated author to dig out and help us learn about day to day life and struggles writers and scholars have encountered. Thank you for your insights on Substack. What a journey!

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Ah, that is so kind of you.

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Whoa, late to this 8Q party! Ann, I so enjoyed learning about your Substack experience through Eleanor’s thoughtful questions. I remember being bowled over by the stories on Plath. Your early support as a founding member of my little Substack was a great honor, and kept me going as I struggled with self-doubt. Congratulations on your well-earned success. Here’s to many more years.

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Thanks so much for your kind words, Mary. What I love about Eleanor's series is looking back at various interviews (including with writers I hadn't previously known) and discovering new ways of thinking about Substack, and the practice of writing itself.

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

I agree, Ann. The discovery of new writers, and taking heart from the shared honesty of responses. Substack writers are a generous and supportive community.

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Maria (Linnesby essays)'s avatar

Love this, Ann! And love that you quote Annie Lamott here. A perfect line.

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Thank you Maria, I hope you're well (I am missing your posts!)

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Maria (Linnesby essays)'s avatar

Thank you so much, Ann! This means a lot. Have had some stuff taking me away from Substack, but hope to get back to writing (and reading and engaging more) soon!

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Hope so. But also, no rush. Writing - of such a high standard as yours - takes time.

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Maria (Linnesby essays)'s avatar

Oh, thank you so much! Am blushing!

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Leslie Carlin's avatar

Great questions; wonderful answers. I am singing in my heart! Out of tune of course.

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Thanks Leslie! I suspect you’re a very good singer, but the metaphor still stands (and Anne Lamott always puts it so well).

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Leslie Carlin's avatar

She really does.

Aww, thanks. I can carry a tune if I'm stood next to someone with a good voice, so I love singing in a choir. There's probably a writing metaphor in there somewhere. We need Anne Lamott to articulate it!

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Absolutely agree. Anne L’s Bird by Bird has stayed in my head for years.

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Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

It’s part of my essential writing kit

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Leslie Carlin's avatar

Yes in mine too, although I confess that mainly what I recall is the anecdote that gave the book its title.

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Gina Ferrari's avatar

Great to read some more background on Ann Kennedy Smith whose Substack I have enjoyed for a while now.

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Many thanks Gina, great to have your support!

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Sue Key's avatar

I loved reading A Fortnight in September. Greengates and Journey’s End are wonderful reads too.

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Alisa Kennedy Jones's avatar

Such a treat! Love CLDS. 💛

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Thank you Alisa!

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Richard Donnelly's avatar

The British just seem happy. What's goin on over there : )

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Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

Ha! I’m not sure if that’s true but what we do have going for us is extreme eccentricity. That aspect of us always lifts my spirits.

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Writer Pilgrim by So Elite's avatar

🙌

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Holly Starley's avatar

Great interview! I agree, it is indeed magical to be on board here. Thanks, Ann. Thanks, Eleanor. 💕

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Wendy Varley's avatar

Yay! Really pleased to see Ann's thoughts and tips here, thanks for this, Eleanor and Ann. I always enjoy Ann's essays on Cambridge history and she's such a generous and engaged reader of others' writing, too.

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Many thanks, Wendy!

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